Sewn Footbox vs. Open Footbox

**NightHawk!** · 07-27-2015, 21:29

I have my Underquilt picked out and purchased, it is on the way. I'm in the process of figuring out which top quilt I would like to purchase and am kind of torn between a sewn/closed footbox vs. an open/adjustable footbox. I would like to hear from owners of each on opinions of each. I have my selection narrowed down to EE Revelation and the HG Burrow. Currently I use two different rectangular sleeping bags, zip them up a quarter of the way and tuck my feet in. Both are synthetic, so I want to upgrade to down. Opinions and thoughts? thanks alot

**G Maurice** · 07-27-2015, 22:13

Seems to me the depending on the person and circumstances, the biggest advantage with an open adjustable foot box is it can vent while a sewn can't. That said, mine is a closed sewn foot box.

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-27-2015, 22:27

When Adam at HG asked me what kind of footbox I wanted, sewn or snap, I asked, "Why would I want a snap footbox?"

I have three TQs, all sewn footboxes, and still don't understand why anyone would want a snap footbox. It's the last place on earth I would want to vent. If I'm that hot, I'll kick the TQ off entirely.

**Passinthru** · 07-27-2015, 22:42

I have snaps but I never open up my quilt. I never find the need to open it - easier to just kick my feet out if needed. And I worry a little about the possibility of pulling a snap loose from the fabric.
If doing it again I would get a sewn footbox.
Now...maybe on a summer quilt I would open the drawstring but probably not the snaps.

**hanginyaker** · 07-27-2015, 22:46

I'm a warm sleeper and have the sewn box just kick your feet out if to hot. Way better when it gets cold with the insulation at the end IMHO

**Floridahanger** · 07-27-2015, 22:50

I made a sewn footbox for the No Underquilt Hang 2 weekends ago. Low temps both nights were 76*F and 75*F wind light to med wind. The TQ was a low quilt batting with sewn thru construction. It performed great and I didn't have to take my feet out of the footbox. The second night, I slept from a little past 11pm to 7:25am without waking as comfortable as can be.

I also have a snap/draw cord synthetic TQ and my feet start to get cold at ~ 40*F unless I stuff a sock in the small hole. I have used this quilt down to 23*F at the bottom of it's ability before it starts to affect my sleep. I like that I can open the quilt for use other than in my hammock, but I will now get sewn footbox from now on.

You can vent a snap footbox by uncinching the cord a little or a lot. You can also vent a sewn footbox by taking your feet out of the footbox and resting the TQ on top of your feet. Your choice.

Good luck and I hope this helps a little.

**dakotaross** · 07-27-2015, 23:20

I've had both and prefer sewn, though I do have the Revelation as my summer quilt. To me, the snap part is not the weakness, its the cinched hole at the bottom. I like to push my feet into the down, and this became a problem with the cinch cord giving way. All too often, I've made decisions based on what I might be able to do with something, when in fact its better to get something that performs best the one thing you're definitely going to do with it. At least with a TQ anyway.

**ksbcrocks** · 07-28-2015, 06:35

On my 2.5 ounce Climashield quilt I have a drawcord footbox. I like being able to open it completely and use it as just a throw or blanket. Especially for travel where I'll be sleeping inside and need to supply my own blankets.

My cold weather top quilt is sewn.

**mrh_on** · 07-28-2015, 06:36

I got the snaps on my HG Burrow...mostly because they charge $15 for a sewn footbox. The price was high enough imo so I didn't go for adding $15 on top of that just to get a sewn footbox. Otherwise I'd have gotten it too for most of the reasons stated above...